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"longer off topic comments" - Episode 22 Life Outside Ambridge
"longer off topic comments" - Episode 22 Life Outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
Now that's what I call the perfect setting for a get together! 😊
ReplyDelete👏🍷
DeleteFirst class photo.
ReplyDeleteAaah, chairs I can sit in!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos Ruthy. I have just returned from a coach trip of classical Greece. We visited Athens, Delphi, Mycanea and Olympia. The place that impressed me the most was Meteora with monasteries and nunneries perched on top of the mountain peaks. The weather was perfect. The guide was very good. The last day we saw the National Museum in Athens where the space is ready for the return of the Elgin marbles!
ReplyDeleteGianna that sounds wonderful. I was drawing the Elgin marbles (ha! trying to scribble something on a beginners course) in the spring and I had not seen them before. Quite outrageous that they are still in London. The British Museum have a rather defensive leaflet available to read in the room, outlining their dubious history.
DeleteCarolyn, I think Bootgums also said she is up for a meeting.
Ah, I missed that. So now there are 6 ! Good news, & there may be more.
DeleteUnderstand what you wrote, Archerphile - it kind of breaks the spell, doesn't it, especially as we don't have profile pics. On the other hand, we have personality images, so very interesting to actually meet.
I feel a bit like Archerphile. I enjoying sitting here in my shoe getting to know you all and wondering how you picture me. I'm afraid I have no mental pictures of all of you (nothing personal, you understand, it's the aphantasia) although I do recall LanJan telling us she's tall and impossibly elegant. So it would be fun to meet up in person.
DeleteBut there again, the air of mystery due to our online anonymity is fun too. I can't make December 3rd so the dilemma is solved for me this time around. Who knows, if you organise a second meet-up, I might break cover and join you : )
I think in any situation where you are with like minded people you find you do get on like a house on fire! My trip to Italy in June on an art course was proof of that. You will have TA to talk about not to mention the general topics on the other blog. Have fun!
DeleteI shall be with my daughter then on a coach trip from Cornwall to Christmas markets in Belgium and Holland, first time over the Tamar for ages! and I'm not quite sure I would have made it up to London, but I wish all of you that do meet up a really happy time together.
DeleteI did indeed say I was up for a meeting. 3rd December is somewhat problematic as I'm committed to something in the morning and wouldn't be able to get to London by 12.00 (and can't be sure just when I would be able to – about one, probably). If the meeters (is that a word?) arrange where to have lunch I might be able to join them a bit later. Or on another day: I'm mostly in control of my diary, with just the odd exception like 3rd December!
DeleteOld Woman, I picture you in a much more up-market Shoezone than your namesake who featured in a Radio 4 spoof of the Today Programme (News from Nurseryland, I think), several Christmases ago. That lady was visited in her rather more down-at-heel shoe by Social Services after complaints from local residents that her children - Wayne, Beyoncé, Chardonnay, Rio and several others whose names she couldn't remember, had been terrorising the neighbourhood. She was served with an ASBO!
DeleteThen there was a live report from outside the house of a Mr Truelove, who had been showering his wife with gifts. Defra were already at the scene trying to catch seven swans which were hissing and behaving in an intimidating manner, and some geese laying eggs all over the place. The Police had to be called to deal with the traffic chaos caused by a herd of cows waiting to be milked, and a group of Lords who were leaping over fences and damaging people's gardens. The Council became involved when residents complained about the unbearable noise from a marching band of pipes and drums.
Mr Truelove was up before the Beak charged with causing a breach of the peace and the gifts were ordered to be sent back. If you didn't hear the programme I thought the style of humour would appeal to you.
When I read a book, I imagine the "main" character, esp. if I read a series eg Shetland, Vera, Inspector Lynley etc. This is one of the reasons, I cannot watch the televised programmes of these books.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same with all the virtual, lovely friends, on this wonderful blog - I prefer to keep my personal mind's, "visual" image of every-one, whether they are true + realistic or not. I don't know!
I wish your "Meet + Greet" session every success and informative, but sadly, I won't be participating.
I will wait though, in eager anticipation, to read about its progress.
After 2 days of very cool evenings + mornings, I appreciated this morning, with the CH on for the first time.
Ev.
ReplyDeleteI am still very interested in The Mill at Posara. They are doing an Italian language course in May, but it is the only one next year. I would book now, but I am stil going to the eye clinic sorting the glaucoma out. I have no idea, when or if, my cataract will be sorted, so I am having to just wait + "see".
I am still optimistic, that I might be able to go.
I hope you can go if not next year maybe in 2020. I have booked to go again next year with the same tutor.
DeleteEv I am still 🤞🤞🤞I have further tests on Oct. 11th + then see a consultant on Oct 18th. Only then will I know what will happen next.
DeleteWhat is "freaking" me out, is that I am next having Field of Vision Tests, the results of which go to the DVLA. They will then decide, whether my driving licence will be removed, or for how long I can keep it, further to future tests. I feel that all will be OK. I am staying positive.
DeleteReally feel for you Miriam. Waiting is always the worst and of course our DL are very precious. Glad you have CH on go with weather and not the time of year I say😄
DeleteI am wandering across Belgium, The Netherlands and N Germany. We shall eventually end up in Lübeck for a week. Yesterday we were in Utrecht and the weather was wonderful, sunny and warm. Had a drink sitting on the side of the canal. I have never seen so many bicycles ever. They don’t have car parks, and the cycle parks were amazing. I have no idea how people find theirs as they all looked the same, we in England could learn something about creating safe cycling lanes in cities.
ReplyDeleteAm enjoying the discussion re meeting up. Give it a go.
What a great holiday. Got this hankering to see Lubeck, after seeing marvellous posters of faces outside their churches, not gargoyles, at friends' house in Munster.
DeleteTesting post iOS12 update
ReplyDeleteOld woman,that description of me isn't quite right!!
ReplyDeleteI am tall -about 5' 9' maybe have shrunk a bit now-well I was considered to be tall years ago but lots of young girls are taller than that nowadays
It was about 30 years ago when somebody mistook me for some one else and apologised telling me that I was the image of someone he knew.
I just said to him "Is she also tall, slim and incredibly attractive ?"
When he said "yes"
I assumed I must be too.!
Then about 10 years ago I was taken to be the mother of a County Cricketer by a man who wanted to know why I was snubbing him when our sons were both at the same Public School!
I don't know whether he believed me when I denied being that lady.
I don't know whether she was attractive or not.
I didn't ask him.
Archerphile,I will tell you who is an attractive mum of a cricketer and that is Michael Atherton's mother,Wendy.
She is also a lovely person.
When he was the Captain of England she didn't go to the Test Match every day to see him play because her other son was playing in the local league on one of the days so she went to watch him play.
Re people not looking like how one imagines them to look.
ReplyDeleteThere was a neighbourhood blog which some years ago I responded to.
People asked if anyone could recommend a good plumber or if they'd spotted a large ginger cat or if anyone had any old bricks etc ( we had some delivered by a builder for free-we wanted them to biuild a path and he wanted to get rid of them) .
One person had the same hobby as me and we decided to meet up at the local Garden Centre for a cuppa .
She was nothing like I expected her to be but at the end of about 2hours she commented that nobody at one of the other tables would have believed we were meeting for the first time.
We have become very good friends.
LJ- was that neighbourhood blog, Street Life ?
DeleteI belonged to Street Life in Putney then transferred to the local one when I moved up here. S L was sold to an American company a while ago and is now called Next Door. I have got to know a number of people through ND now, in fact have been emailing one such person this evening.
I think it was Streetlife ,Mrs P.
DeleteIt is now called Nextdoor Digest.
I sometimes look at the comments but haven't contributed .
Interesting LJ 🤔
ReplyDeleteiPad posts not working out at the moment but iPhone posts action and show on ipad... but will not post if entered into the pad - only since I updated to iOS 12 tonight 😤They should and were both linking. Brother in law where are you 😮
ReplyDeleteRef. Bootgums, 11.35pm, yesterday, 20th, & all intending to meet 3/12 : would the simplest solution be to change the time from 12pm to 1pm ? ( Date change would rule out one, who is only available that day, & arranging lunch venue in advance difficult because of walking preferences etc)
ReplyDeleteNot to put pressure on you to arrive dot on one, Bootgums, if any of us is gasping for a coffee after travelling, plenty of outlets at Waterloo, so we can take that in relays, so long as someone stands guard under that clock !
I can't be sure when my morning activity will finish (counting the collection money at my local cathedral), and even 1pm would be a bit optimistic. But I'd like to join in if it doesn't mean keeping everyone at Waterloo Station for hours!
DeleteWe have got a couple of months to fine tune things of course.Any time from 10.20 am should be OK for me but I don't do "dark" .I don't like being out in the dusk or evening or during the rush hour period.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about other bloggers but I only have a snack at midday .
As Carolyn says there are plenty of outlets on the station itself one of which overlooks the clock!
Re meet up :
DeleteUnsure yet if I will be able to stay over in London, therefore if doing a 'day out' by coach or train, then 1 pm would be better for me.
LJ - if you are uncomfortable doing ' dark' your time will be limited as by early December it will be dark by 4 giving you very limited time.
Without wishing to be patronising, I would be willing to escort you back to your part of west L if I am staying over in Wandsworth.
Thinking the same, Mrs P, we won't miss dusk on the journey home if meeting at 1& unlikely to be free of rush hour either, given the 'hour' is a loose description these days. However, we don't need to go home at the same time as each other. 2 & 1/2 hrs.natter, leaving at 3.30, Lanjan, should be ok for you.
DeleteIt's dreary, I've had to do it quite often to accommodate, but there is the option of remaining at the sta. ( coffee, meal, snack, whatever) but I hope that won't get a 100% vote ! ( but promise not to complain if it does, the important thing being to meet)
Upshot, meet at 1, which allows Bootgums the time she needs to get there, or decide in advance where to lunch. St. Martin's crypt had several favourable mentions, but as walking it may be too taxing for some, Charing Cross is only 2 stops away on the Bakerloo line.
Possible for those who wish, to walk across Hungerford bridge, others going by tube to Ch X.
DeleteBut less hassle to do it via Waterloo East as one stop only to ChX and front of station, whereas tube involving deep down to tube at W'loo and up again at ChX
And half the length of Villiars Street to walk as well.
Alternative plan a slow level amble along the river to the Globe,
OR - in the other direction to County Hall Hotel and a civilised tea with tablecloths and china.
Carolyn have you been near to Waterloo recently ? When I was last there the Shell building was GONE ! and I was utterly discombobulated, but the bus stop outside the North entrance to the tube had gone because of the building work and may still be, and so I am wondering about long walks to bus stops at W'loo if some wanted to do the bus.
Must say, favour the level amble to Tas (Turkish) opposite the Globe, good views, interesting diversions, e.g Gabriel's Wharf. Also a Zizzi, Pizza Express, & others within a few places.
DeleteTrying to think when last at Waterloo, Mrs P, rather than South Bank approached from London Bridge or Southwark, but think it must be last year, not this.
Don't know County Hall Hotel, but may not do for those fancying lunchy food, rather than teatime fare.
Waterloo East sounds a good plan for Chx ~ crypt.
I don’t mind what time or where on that day. As long as a cup of coffee is involved I’ll be happy. ☕️
ReplyDeleteIt’s 6.24am here in San Francisco , been awake since just after 4, time differences are just soo inconvenient!
Anyway big bus tour this morning.
Alcatraz tomorrow when it’s due to be heavy rain all day ......suppose that’ll add to the atmosphere there!!
Hope you don't nod nod off on the bus....these things can be sporific. Perhaps they'll keep you alert with lots of talk & amazing sights. Alcatraz - Freddie's incarceration tame by comparison, though I do take on board the dire situation in our prisons, & how at risk
Deletehe could be from attack/abuse/temptation /suicidal despair
You are very kind Mrs P .
ReplyDeleteIt is not that I am frightened of the dark it is just that my eyes don't adapt very well to it .
If we meet at 1pm and I start the homeward journey at Waterloo I will be fine.
I am not too keen on walking either but we can discuss things like that at a later date.
Didn't think it likely that fear was the problem LJ, but did want to reassure you that help would be at hand if required.
DeleteAs you say..... at a later date.
1pm is fine with me and I don’t mind whether restaurant, cafe. My trains pass through Waterloo East and Charing Cross. I do have a commitment at 4 so would need to leave at 3 or so depending on where we go.
DeleteI don't suppose any of us are really bothered about what we eat and if we decide to go elsewhere it will all take up time.
DeleteI know we don't need to decide now but there is a café overlooking the clock and before December some of us may be passing through Waterloo and can suss it out
I have a dental appointment in London next week and will try to see what there is .
Coucou, 11:32 am here in Toodyay WA : fine if a little chilly. Wild flowers are amazing! Only ever visited in Feb before, so to be here in springtime is lovely Very out of touch with TA news, wifi is RARE Bisous
ReplyDeleteCoucou Parsley - how I’d love to see those wild flowers, they sound wonderful and it seems like a good time to visit WA before it gets too hot.
ReplyDeleteYou have been missing a lot of action in the Archers recently, some if it not very happy. But I won’t say what’s been happening in case you want to catch up when you return. Enjoy your stay. 🙋🏼
Are the wild flowers different from the ones in this country Parsley? Have a lovely time.
ReplyDeleteParsley 16 my husbands cousins emigrated to TOODYAY some years ago and now you are there! We have seen them on their infrequent visits home. All their youngsters have done extremely well in WA.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile PM wearing your colour today!
ReplyDeleteSo I noticed Lady R, but I can’t say I liked that short sleeved suit very much. Don’t think purple is her colour, she looks better in red or cobalt blue!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteTrue- but I’m sure you do it justice AP✔️😉
ReplyDelete......... I don’t think you see me in leopard spot-print kitten heels though Lady R! 🐆
DeleteWell! Yes the flowers are very different and spectacular! Toodyay is an interesting town didn't have much time there, we were on our way to York, back in Mandurah now, off to Albany tomorrow .. outside Woolies in the Forum blagging their wifi! TTFN
ReplyDeleteBeen round Alcatraz today. Absolutely fascinating. I loved it. You had your own headphones on so Me PtbY and I split up and took our own time. We were there 3 hours. I would highly recommend going to anyone.
ReplyDeleteYosemite here we come tomorrow.
Mr PtbY 🤭
DeleteGoodness, we seem to have Archers bloggers on both sides of the world at the moment!
ReplyDeleteWho would have thought, when TA started back in 1951, that its listeners would be travelling all around the world on their holidays at some time in the future? Back then it was Bognor, Blackpool or a few days in a caravan if you were lucky.
What with GaryGilday’s mammoth tour earlier this year and now our intrepid explorers of Australia and the USA we are an adventurous lot these days ! Have a wonderful time Parsley and PtbY.
PtbY -,very envious you will be in Yosemite as I have never been there. Enjoy and let us know how majestic it really is. There’s a movie that was just released Free Solo about a climber that climbed up without ropes to top of El Capitan. Heard Ansel Adams used to play the grand piano in the lodge. Let me know if that is only legend.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I went to Yosemite a few years ago and for me it overshadowed the Grand Canyon which we visited on the next day! The scenery is wonderful and majestic. We bought two Ansel Adams photos, copies of course! I don’t know whether he played the piano, Ruthie but he certainly loved Yosemite!
DeleteMy adventure is meeting a friend in Marlborough on Friday.
ReplyDeleteI am taking the train to Swindon then bus to Marlborough.
The adventure aspect is going by public transport rather than driving.
Therefore not being in control of my journey.
A conversation with my G daughter and the latest ' word of mouth ' has reminded me that some time ago I decided that I would make an effort to regularly learn by heart a poem.
Tomorrow is National Poetry Day and I WILL start.
Enjoy Mrs P it sounds a lovely day 🚞🚇☕️🍰 do let us know how your travelling and day goes.
DeletePower of Attorney
ReplyDeleteJust been granted a refund of £77.32 ( including interest ! )
For those not in the know if you made a power of attorney between 1st of April 2013 and 31st March 2017 you are entitled to a refund, go to www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney-refund its very simple to do.
should read may.be entitled
DeleteThànks. I remember you mentioning previously. Glad it came to fruition and letting us know, that the gov. has actually refunded money.
DeleteFurther to your post, I realised that I hadn't made my claim. I have just done it, and as you say, very quick + easy. I am now contacting other family members, so that they can do the same. This is what is great about this blog, the sharing of others things which are beneficial to others.
DeleteThanks again.Miriam
😀😀😀
Glad I mentioned it again Miriam, I was wondering whether to repeat myself.
DeleteCowGirl ✔✔✔. So glad you did as It will help me and other family members.
DeleteI loved PtbY's mention of Alcatraz. My youngest niece is also in SF at the moment, having a "cheapie" hol. as her partner is there, to give a talk at a conference.
ReplyDeleteShe + partner, also visited Alcatraz in the last few days, and I have just seen the photos, sent round the family.
What an impressive, yet eerie place and I could feel the "atmosphere" even by photos. It reminded me of Robbin Island (S.Africa).
I wonder if PtbY was there, at the same time as Amy?.
It is certainly a small world, these days.
Good to hear all about everyone’s travels near and far. I’m off to Yorkshire on Friday, first to a holiday cottage just above the beach, then on to my house, which is currently unfurnished so a hectic time at the moment.
ReplyDeleteMrs P I had forgotten it is National Poetry Day tomorrow which is shameful as I do love poetry and try to write it myself (not necessarily very well but...) I wonder if there is any poetry on the radio tomorrow - must check and listen while packing.
Apropos of nothing,Ruthy,my son tells me that the word "fortnight" meaning two weeks is not used in Canada.
ReplyDeleteIs it used it the USA?
We studied North America for our GCE "O" level.
I always wanted to visit the Yosemite National Park.
(I thought it was pronounced Yose ( to rhyme with nose then mite to rhyme with night!
Sounds much better the way it is actually pronounced.)
LanJan - fortnight is seldom used in the US.
DeleteThere's a film in which Bob Hope plays someone pretending to be an English duke. He says 'fortnight' a lot, which made me think this word is not used in US English. However, he said 'dook', not 'dyook', so I'm not sure he convinced anybody.
DeleteThis subject was covered in the last week or so on ' Word of Mouth ' my favourite R4 programme.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly fortnight, fourteen nights has survived and is well used in the U.K. but sennight, seven nights has almost completely disappeared.
So Ruthy, is sennight still in use on your side of the pond ?
Seasider, I have this evening made a start by reading, out loud, ( declaiming),
The song of Hiawatha.
I am a great lover of the epic poem.
Me too Mrs P.
DeleteHiawatha -a wonderful poem
My elder son is closely involved as a medic with a First Nation tribe in Canada .
I don't think they still use wigwams/teepees though.
Younger son lives by the side of a river and in the Spring there are daffodils springing up all along the banks which makes me think of the lovely poem by Wordsworth
The talk of poetry led me back to schooldays when I learnt the first part of “If I were lord of Tartary” and “Silver” by Walter de la Mare and “Do you remember an Inn, Miranda by Hilaire Belloc. The rhythm of all three will always stay with me! I liked John Betjemen too!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourite poems for poetry day and one my children adored is by Spike Milligan:
ReplyDelete“There are holes in the sky
Where the rain comes in
But they’re ever so small
That’s why rain is thin”
On a more serious note, my all time favourite is a First World War poem by Wilfrid Owen.
It is called “Dulce et Decorum Est”
I expect many of you know it. It taught me more about the futility of trench warfare than any newsreel could have done.
"Strange Meeting" is the one for me. I came across it my school poetry book, not knowing anything about Owen at the time. "Futility" is another favourite.
Delete"Move him into the sun -
Gently its' touch awoke him once,"
"Anthem for Doomed Youth" of course; "The Parable of the Old Man and the Young". I have a book of Owen's poems. Charles Sorley and Isaac Rosenberg are other poets of WW1 whose poetry I like. Charles Sorley died 15th October 1915, battle of Loos. He was 20.
I've met Brian Patten. I've given his collection "Thawing Frozen Frogs" to a few children and read the poems to many more.
And the fleas that tease in the high Pyrenees ...
ReplyDeleteI don't know 'Silver' but I do love 'The Listeners' which my Mum introduced to me as her favourite.
'Adlestrop' I first met at school. 'Tyger, Tyger', another one with wonderful rhythm. Belloc's 'Lines to a Don' is great fun. And I discovered Emily Dickinson through the OU, some of her work I find rather obscure but I do like 'Nobody'.
I found a wonderful website of poetry readings a few months back but I've lost the bookmark : (
However, I did find this instead: https://www.poetryfoundation.org. Today's reading is 'The Walrus and the Carpenter' : )
Silver starts:
DeleteSlowly,silently now the moon
Walks the night in her silver spoon
This way and that she peers and sees
Silver fruit upon silver trees
One by one the casements catch
Her silver beams beneath the thatch
Couched in his kenne l like a log
With paws of silver sleeps the dog.
This is from memory and may or be completely accurate! I learnt it over 60 years ago. Just shows how these things stick with you!
That should be shoon at the end of second line! Auto correction again!
DeleteThank you, I think that's beautiful.
DeleteSarnia, September 30th.
ReplyDeleteWas it 'News at Bedtime'?
I've found it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMXENnwd-hE (with pictures) and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wWBDWsJwmo (the whole lot).
I've only listened to a bit so far, I'm rationing myself : )
I thought it would appeal to you. Thank you for the response.
DeleteMrs P, you have inspired a lovely thread of conversation. My mother read poetry to me - AA Milne was my favourite when I was a child - and Meddlesome Matty whose author I don’t remember, and Mr Nobody. She recited Silver and Ode to Autumn. I loved Adlestrop at school and agree, Archerphile, about Wilfrd Owen’s poems. Terrible that he was killed the day that war ended.
ReplyDeleteOld Woman I loved your Archers blog version of the Listeners in the spring when folk were trying to save the BBC blog. Really clever and witty.
More contemporary favourites are Digging by Seamus Heaney and a Ted Hughes poem about the wind on the moors that starts “This house has been out at sea all night” or something like that.
It is called Wind. Kathleen Jamie is another poet I enjoy and if you like long poems (which I don’t usually) Alice Oswald’s Dart is really interesting.
DeleteSeasider, Wilfred Owen was killed on 4th November 1918. His mother received the telegram a week later as she listened to bells pealing to celebrate peace.
DeleteI did not contribute to the last discussion on poetry.
ReplyDeleteMy father was passionate about poetry, but like most of his passions he would bore anyone willing to listen to him. At the same time my mother derided anything he said.
This left me with very confused and divided attitudes, and I chose to turn away.
However the subject has continued to peep across my shoulder like a guilty friend.
For a long time I have enjoyed ' Poetry Please' part of my Sunday night routine, usually listening when in the bath. I also enjoy ' Word of Mouth '.
Last week a programme with Giles Brandreth, who left a challenge to learn a poem by Christmas, which I considered a rather too long learning time, prompted me to discuss the subject with my granddaughter, and we both decided that we would learn something in about a month to six weeks.
Today I intend to make a start on 'The Pied Piper', perhaps a more realistic goal than the Longfellow.
Incidentally I did intend to recommend the Giles B programme but heard it when driving and then it slipped my mind.
I am making a comment and ti give my ezperience. I am responding to Maryellen + Mrs P. on the other site, about broken hips/ neck of femur and Hospital infections.
ReplyDeleteI had a 'phone call early evening on a Saturaday night in December (not last year). His carer had found him on the floor. After a 3hr wait for an ambulance, went to A+E, it was a broken femur, and he spent 24hrs in A+E as no beds. Finally operation to pin + plate on Monday afternoon. 2 days later he was transferred to a local comminity hasp. The ward he was in had been closed due to an infection. Dad was shown to be have picked this up - VRE - but us the family were not told. He died, very unexpectedly, 6 days later, The post-mortem showed pneumonia, but I still have my thoughts abour this.
The following day, when I went to collect his belongs, his room was being disinfected from top to bottom.
I hope that this will not happen to Christine.
Sorry about typos, just my ongoing eye problems, but only when I post on 'phone.
DeleteWhat an appalling memory, Miriam. Very sad.
DeleteI am so sorry Miriam to hear that you are one of the many who have had a relative die from a hospital acquired infection after breaking a limb or, usually, a hip.
DeleteAnd from what we hear, very often the relatives are not told of the infection and the loved one has died before those relatives have even had time to process the accident that caused the old person to be hospitalised.
Delighted to report that I was officially discharged at my 6 week check up today, after the new hip operation. Can now do almost anything I like, walk without any aids (though still find it gets very tiring walking for long). I can drive, garden, do all the cooking and housework, even hoovering, to Mr A’s great delight and relief!
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I cannot do, nor will ever be able to do without mechanical help, is take a bath. Despite much help from the occupational therapist and trying out many different methods and pieces of equipment, I found it impossible to get in and out of the bath without seriously compromising my new hip joint. So I may have to invest in one of those gadgets, advertised in the back of Radio Times, that lifts you up and down into the tub, or get a bath with a door !! 😢.
This one difficulty is really upsetting as I do love having a bath and having to resort to such a gadget is making me feel really old and past it. Never thought I should be scanning the back pages of RT for help! At least I don’t need a Stannah Stair Lift though!
Brilliant news Archerphile. 6 weeks after op. You have done brilliantly. At least you know that come January, you will be dancing up and down the ailse of an A380, on your way to Dubai, to meet up with your family again. Exciting times ahead.
DeleteGreat news, Archerphile - spot on target for mobility ! A shame about the bath, something taken for granted(in, wash, soak if time, out), now more complicated.
DeleteBath with door: horrendously expensive, but will set (both of) you up for the duration. Recommend Nationwide Mobility, yes, found in the back pages of Radio Times, and based in Farnborough. Bath (quite a range available) is custom-made to fit your bathroom; has integral, removable lift, centrally placed taps, lever-controlled plug-hole and water is pumped in for a faster flow. There is also an optional, integral shower. The workmanship is excellent. I hadn't been able to bath for years, so the sheer luxury of it!!!
DeleteThe lift is electrically operated so you won't get stuck when the battery dies, as happened to my sister, but there is a stand-by battery under the bath so that you won't get caught by a power cut. Good luck!
I am sorry to hear that you will not be able to have a bath Archerphile.
DeleteI was relieved to be able to get back in, and out, before my six weeks were up, though with difficulty. It has become easier as time progresses. I am not able to sleep if I do not bathe at the end of each day, so I certainly sympathise.
I do hope that finances allow and that it does not take too long for you to be able to acquire a bath that you can use.
My ninety six year old cousin was not able to cope with her walk in shower in her older persons home and now has not bathed or showered for well over ten years.
You can get showers with seats in now can't you?
DeleteI would love to have a bath especially after a morning gardening but we only have a
Shower.
Most young folk I know who do have baths installed in their homes rarely use them.
Here is my contribution to poetry day (though a day late). In the US April is poetry month.
ReplyDeleteThe Thaw
Henry David Thoreau
I saw the civil sun drying earth’s tears —
Her tears of joy that only faster flowed,
Fain would I stretch me by the highway side,
To thaw and trickle with the melting snow,
That mingled soul and body with the tide,
I too may through the pores of nature flow.
But I alas nor tinkle can nor fume,
One jot to forward the great work of Time,
‘Tis mine to hearken while these ply the loom,
So shall my silence with their music chime.
.😃 Super, thanks for that. Never read any of his work.
DeleteSo enjoyed the poetry fest here, everyone sharing those favourites that continue to enrich through time.
Touched by your childhood experience, Mrs P, confusing indeed, but it didn't put you off forever.
It was being introduced to Milton in the 6th form which really switched me on; remember thinking, 'so this is the real thing!'
Many thanks to all above for comments and advice about bathing, especially Sarnia for the very clear description of your new bath.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately we only had our bathroom refitted 2 years ago (thank goodness with a power shower over the bath which was such an improvement to the old one.) Just couldnt afford to do it again so soon.
I am particularly upset about not being able to have a lovely relaxing soak as it has been my habit, for 40 odd years, to do so on Sunday mornings listening to the Archers Omnibus and all my family & friends know that time is sacrosanct and they disturb me at their peril!
I shall investigate one of those inflatable seat thingys that lower you into the water and out gain or the band contraption that does the same - just hoping they are not so expensive as a whole new bath!
So sorry, Archerphile, that's most disappointing. Our bathroom fittings were coming up to 50 years old, so NM did the lot, with extra high vanity unit and loo. However, it would be worth investigating all the options, as you could get a separate, battery-operated bath lift.
DeleteLanJan: I have an adjustable, orthopaedic shower stool which comes out of the loft in its polythene wrapping for every operation. Hopefully after this knee settles down I'll have done with it for a bit!
I visited Dove Cottage and 2 of Wordsworth's other homes in October 2005. I was approached by the current poet-in-residence in one house. She told me it was National Poetry Day and asked if I would like to hear one of her poems.
ReplyDeleteThe presenter of "Pick of the Week" on Sunday did most of his links in verse.
HH that’s a lovely memory. I visited once and this year Max Gate, where Hardy lived. Brontes’ home in Haworth a particular favourite.
ReplyDeleteRuthy I loved your poem. There are many great US poets, some I studied at college and some I am just meeting, like Sharon Olds. I admit to being a Sylvia Plath fan.
Archerphile good luck with your hip progress and overcoming the bathing issues. It must be a quite winding to have to make such an adjustment. I expect you hope after all you have been through all will be back to normal. I do hope you find a reasonable solution.
Miriam so sorry to hear about your father. Awful. I know my mother in law is putting off surgery because she fears she will be worse off afterwards or worse.
Off up north now....
I am a bit of a philistine where poetry is concerned I,m afraid, though I do love P.B.Shelly's Ozimandias, a poem I would suggest that those pumped up so called "super Stars" could well do with reading!
ReplyDeleteWell done Archerphile.
Have a good trip Home Seasider, though the weather doesn't look too good
On the subject of poetry, Lanjan when you wrote your poem about Archerphile post-surgery, your first two lines ...
ReplyDeleteIt's obvious, it has to be a joke,
But somewhere in the town of Basingstoke ...
triggered a memory of a poem, just by the rhythm - but I have no idea what poem!
Am I imagining things? Or can anybody give me a clue please?
... or maybe not so much the rhythm as the phrasing ...
DeleteZoëtrope,I had forgotten that I had written that.
ReplyDeleteI used to write Rupert Bear verse until a lovely lady from the blog told me about Iambic pentameters
Never looked back!
I was going to add my 4pennorth about modern poetry yesterday but decided against it because I think you know all how I feel about "poems" that nether rhyme nor scan.
I was always impressed by the words of the song "Mountain Greenery"
I might have got it wrong but it started off something like this.....
In our mountain greenery where God paints the scenery ,just two crazy people together.
There was a bit more I was impressed with.
I will look it up now.
How's the time to trust to your wanderlust...........
DeleteI've a banquet planned which is
Sandwiches and beans....
While you love your lover let blue skies be your coverlet.
This was written by the singer Mel Tormé who married Janette Scott who was the daughter of Thora Hird (from Morecambe !)
Now's the time not how's the time......
DeleteLanJan, 2.31pm - Gerard Manley Hopkins for 'A' level was my inspiration.
DeleteOh, how you would hate mine!
Well Sarnia,I have just had a look at one of his poems and to say I don't understand what it is about would be an understatement.
DeleteHowever I will look again when I have more time.
He must have been ahead of his time I think .
We "did " Milton for "O" level.
A bit off topic but we also studied Northanger Abbey and I found it tedious having to write down the points of significance of each Chapter.
Did not Jane Austin just want to write a story that people might want to read?
I am glad I studied Maths and Physics.
Agree Sarnia that Hopkins is good - " As kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies draw flame" etc. I also like John Clare and his countryside poems. I think one of the most hauntingly sad poems ever written is Clare's "I am", made sadder by the context in which it was written. Institutionalised because of lack of modern day medicines.
DeleteWe had to learn .
Delete"Spring is coming" by John Clare.
He was a very sad man.
Ah, now, 'In my day', as they say, 'gels' didn't study physics, that was only for boys. As for maths, well, to say I don't understand what it is about would be an understatement. How interesting we all are in our diversity!
DeleteThere were only 4 of us who took a Physics A level in my year at the school I attended,Sarnia and only two of us took Applied Maths.
DeleteArcherphile, just an idea re your bath situation. I would assume that before + after your op. you were in touch with Occupational services. Why not contact them again - as they might be able to advise an interimn solution. It would be a shame to go to a lot of uneccesary expense.
ReplyDeleteArcherfile, so pleased to hear that you are now able to dispense with the hip precautions. I must admit that I did very little in the way of cooking and housework at 6 weeks post op and had been advised by my consultant not to drive until 8 weeks, I certainly couldn't have managed a bath at that stage. Have you been told why you may never be able to have a bath as, although I normally use a shower, I would now have no problem with one at nearly 12 months?
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, following on from CC post, I too wondered why you said that you never would be able to bath again ?
ReplyDeleteHave you been told, by a physio or an occupational therapist that you will never Bath again, or is that how you are feeling ?
There is more than one way to skin a cat !
I was told I would not be able to bathe for months after my op, and the new knee book tells that it is much harder to get out of a bath than to get in.
Well yes it is, but it's not impossible.
For various reasons my arms and shoulders have not been as good as they were for some time, so lifting myself out of the water was not easy. Once or twice I made it, but many times in the first few weeks I didn't and sank back down, or rather flopped back down in the water again.
So I found a way round that.
I simply stayed in the bath without the water, but wrapped the towel round me and rested, until I felt I had some strength again.
After a while I hooked my good leg, the unoperated one, over the side of the bath and used the strength in that leg and my arms to ease my bottom onto the edge of the bath then twisted myself further to get that leg onto the floor.
And there I was on my feet.
I am still struggling a little to get onto my feet from sitting in the water, but my leg muscles are getting stronger each day and my arms are getting used again to lifting me up.
You have a husband on hand, surely he can help you find a way to have a bath and if you bathe daily and have to get out, you will get stronger quicker.
Don't give up, please, make it work for you.
Mrs P, what a shame that OWiaS will be unable to share the mental picture you've just given us! For a minute there you and CC left me feeling guilty that perhaps I'd given up too easily in my attempts to stand up in the bath. Then I wondered if I should be attempting your method, until I remembered that I haven't actually got a good, unoperated leg left! :)
DeleteAre there 2 handles on the bath? My present bath, which I had installed shortly after I moved to this house has 2. Looking at replacement baths recently, I was annoyed that none had handles and that I would have to pay extra for handles and fitting. I told the store assistant I considered it discriminatory to older or infirm people . Finding a bath small enough to fit my bathroom further limits my choice.
DeleteAh handles !
DeleteYes, now wouldn't they be helpful.
I have inherited a bath that is comfortable and the right size for me, but....
no handles.
However I can see where they could be installed on the side but not on the bath itself. But for the time being I am prepared to manage without handles.
Sarnia, yes that did occur to me, one leg good, progress possible, both legs poor, up sh ... creek !
Sorry to hear that's where you are, but hope that can improve for you.
Thank you, but alas not, as both hips and both knees now knackered, plus pelvic girdle which won't stay in place because of over-stretched ligaments - hence the all-singing, all-dancing walk-in bath.
DeleteNot to worry, I continue in work part-time, and will be swimming and back on my bike as soon as prob. with cramped muscles is resolved. I came flying out of the operation so well that the naughty physio pushed me too far too fast! Never happened before.
Well I've had my day out and the journey, both ways, went well.
ReplyDeleteI will do it again.
My friend drove from Farnham and her journey time took about the same as mine except that she didn't have the gaps between train and bus times.
We will do it again.
It was a lovely day to be on the top deck of a bus traveling across the downs which in preparation for winter looked like an Eric Ravillious painting.
Exquisite !
Unfortunately I lost my sunglasses at some point and although I retraced my steps they remained lost.
Ah well !
CC and Mrs P - I have been struggling all day to reply about the bath problem but my iPad has just been updated to the new IOS 12 system and it won’t let me post anything for some reason - SO frustrating!
ReplyDeleteI am therefore resorting to my little old iPod which still runs on an earlier system and seems to work.
The reason I was told I cannot bath again without some sort of lifting apparatus is because of the rather strange way I have always got in an out. I have rather short arms and no strength in them at all, so cannot use them to lift myself up and down. Our bath is quite deep and has high sides. My method is to step into the bath, kneel down facing away from the taps, then sort of twist myself down into a sitting position - the reverse for getting out.
The OT at the hospital, and doctor, said this twisting on bent legs would be likely to dislocate my hip and should not be attempted. We tried all sorts of methods and ways of using low bath seats etc but I just could not manage to lower and raise myself.
I have been researching online today and have found a few different bits of equipment that could lower and raise me, prices starting at around £450. Some are fairly portable, others require building in.
However Mr A has suggested I do a course of intensive arm exercises to try and build up muscles so that I can lift myself.
So I started this regime this afternoon using two cans of baked beans, then 2L bottles of water until I can buy some dumbbells next week!
I shall be looking like Charles Atlas by the time I have finished, but might just be able to bathe without the need for any contraptions ! 🏋️♀️
I couldn't manage without the 2 handles as I posted above. I went through a long period of knee problems combined with reduced muscle strength in arms. There was one occasion when I had to let the water out and wait until I was able to pull myself out. Perhaps we need to revert to hip-baths in front of a fire. A maid to fill the bath and help you out at the end would be useful.
DeleteOh yes, I like that idea!
DeleteThe hip bath and the fire nearby, sounds wonderful H@H, but I've always wondered about getting the upper part of the body to soak.
DeleteI suppose legs lifted out and on to the floor would allow the upper torso to slip under the water.
MrsP, for a lesson in how to bathe in a hip bath in front of the fire, I suggest you watch Ross Poldark.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteLady R - I think you had problems posting after an iOS 12 upgrade can you tell me how you resolved it? I have been into my profile which is still there, even added the silly penguin picture in case it helped, but still my posts just disappear when I click ‘publish’
ReplyDeleteIt just says ‘Google profile’ when I try to
Post instead of Archerphile but I just can’t work out what to do. HELP!
Yes I did AP and I went in and out of my account nearly all day. To publish we need the orange blogger sign and eventually it came back but I don’t know how that is the trouble with new iOS downloads. Maybe it just took time to sort itself out😫
ReplyDeleteI do hope you can revert to your Omnibus bath in the near future I to bath more than shower overall especially in the winter months.
Hip and arm exercises you are going to be busy-good luck. Let us know when you are back on and if I remember anything specific I will post.
I just love the penguin!
ReplyDeleteOn your new iPad try this link and see if it works:
https://archersfan.blogspot.com/
This is fascinating, only on this blog can we have such diverse conversations. I have been reviewing my method of getting in and out of the bath, but the more I think of the mechanics, the more impossible the task seems to be. I couldn't possibly explain my way, but have always assumed that everyone does it the same way, like me. Very surprising, also, (to me), more interesting than TA at the moment.
ReplyDeleteThat reminds me. Lilian & Justin had the/one of the bathroom(s) at the Dower House refitted not long after L moved in. I thought at the time, if they were going to all the trouble and expense I hope they "future-proofed" it for when one or other has difficulty getting in & out of a bath. I presume it has a shower too or there's a shower-room elsewhere, en-suite perhaps. Bathing may come up as a discussion topic on TA in view of Chris's accident.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThat’s true HH, having broken her hip she will definitely need help to bathe etc. Looks like Peggy will be in for some expensive bathroom alterations if Chris is to go back to live with her. Though, as Peggy is in her nineties, she has probably had them done already.
DeleteOur neighbours 91 year-old mother has just returned to her own home (she lives alone) after breaking her hip at her own birthday party. She had a stair lift fitted before returning, now uses a wheelchair or crutches to get around indoors and can afford a carer to come in twice a day to help with dressing and meals.
So you can live independently at 90+ after a broken hip ..... if you are fairly well off and can afford the necessary help.
Had an op on my right shoulder a year ago, the left isn't bad enough
ReplyDeleteapparently , had to find another means of getting out of the bath as couldn't use my arms, took to the twisting onto knees method, ungainly but I can keep on enjoying my long soaks!
Here in Albany, 2:30 pm 19 degrees. Staying with Mr P 's niece & family. Off to Busselton tomorrow, whale watching trip (hopefully ) on Monday, back up to S Yunderup Tues, sister - in - law. Thanks for all your inspiring posts, ttfn xx
ReplyDeleteMessage to Archerphile
ReplyDeleteArcherphile , no need to worry.
Take your time and do not hurry.
Ditch the bath and get a Shower
One which has a lot of power
With a seat.You can sit sit down
With a dash of Molton Brown
Lanjan that is brilliant, thank you. It’s cheered me up no end! 😍
DeleteSo you've found the way forward Archerphile, getting strength into your arms.
ReplyDeleteThe dumbbells will help, but might I suggest another method to use alongside ?
Push-ups can be done without descending to the floor.
At the kitchen sink initially. Stand feet apart as wide as possible to be stable and arms length distance from the sink, bend arms and lean in towards the sink then PUSH arms to move away. It is the pushing that exercises and strengthens the upper arms.
Start off with two or three and work up to ten or more.
Then move onto to a higher level, a towel rail at above waist height ? Or just your hands placed on a wall and using arms to push back.
If this works, and you feel brave enough, using the side of the bath is the next step.
Three months ago I took on the job of rehabilitating a lady returning from hospital after several falls. She had lost confidence in her ability to do anything for herself and her daughter living abroad and unable to be hands on was concerned that her mother needed more than the reablement team visiting twice daily.
The lady had nothing physically wrong with her, but had descended into sitting in a chair all and every day and simply giving up.
It took weeks before I was able to see any motivation from her but eventually with patience and persistence I now have her attending a balance class, having brought her on through strengthening legs and arms and getting her moving again.
This week she was able to demonstrate to daughter with my encouragement, standing alone, no support, for a count of fifteen, and using the stairs, one or two only at the moment, instead of the stair lift.
She herself is amazed at what she is able to do after a long period of inactivity.
Oh Mrs P - that is wonderful! Such good advice, I shall start straight away. And what a brilliant job you did with that elderly lady, you must have tremendous patience and be a very caring person to take on such a task. You are a real inspiration!
DeleteMr A goes to a local cardiac rehab class for a workout every week, and has done so since having a quadruple heart bypass at the Brompton Hospital back in 2002.
He reckons the regular, supervised weekly exercises have kept him in good health for 16 years. He is going to enquire, next week, whether I could go along too and use the equipment suitable for my needs. I might need a GP referral but think there is a good possibility as I am being treated for high blood pressure, so would probably qualify.
I am prepared to work as hard as necessary to get really fit and enjoy my beloved bathtub again !
That is encouraging news Archerphile. If you can get to that class it would be very good indeed.
DeleteBut as well, if I may suggest, it is worth researching what is available from your local authority in combination with the NHS.
You are able to self refer to physiotherapy and get six weeks of post op classes. Our local Physio service works in conjunction with our leisure centre and we are referred on to re has classes there. That is how I got to Tai Chi classes and it has helped me enormously both pre op and post. And most of us at this class that I attend twice weekly are all well over sixty. Two old gentlemen in their nineties unable to move much, but still willing to move.
One of these two, I offered to give a lift to when I passed him on the way to class last week. He declined, the walk to the class as important as the class itself I assumed.
Check out what is available and take advantage of the discount for elder citizens.
I just thought I'd mention outdoor gym equipment in some parks and other public places. They are designed for adults. They are at 2 or 3 locations in my town. You would need to ask doctor's or physiotherapist's advice as to whether they are suitable. Benefits are that you can use them when convenient and breathe fresh air while exercising.
DeleteThank goodness I seem to be able to post again using my preferred method, my iPad.
ReplyDeleteStruggled all day and yesterday evening , just couldn’t log in after the operating system was upgraded to iOS 12.
Not only that, but for some unfathomable reason they have altered the keyboard so that I keep slipping into the French one, and the emoticon key has been transposed with the numbers and punctuation key so I keep hitting the wrong one ...what on Earth was the point of doing that? 😠
Then, this morning, we found that our desk-top computer had had a big Windows 10 update overnight and we can’t get into that either. Why can’t the powers that be just leave things, that work well, alone? 😤
I so agree! Every time I get to grips with computer matters they change it all! Did gather though that updates are important to help fight latest viruses as they often contain patches. Re default to other languages, my complicated control for the central heating has changed language to German inexplicably. It seems the installer sets the language and I can’t get back to the relevant screen. It spoke English for 3 years since we came here and no doubt for some time before. Have learnt Aus means off, Auto is the same and Mannuelle is manual! Maybe it will revert back to English after Brexit!
DeleteAgree all so confusing when changed and major disempowering.
DeleteBT keep sending me messages to upgrade my system which I ignore.
I do not wish to upgrade thank you.
I don't have my phone programmed with time or date or with name of person calling. I don't want to know, and am still after all this time offended when the person I am calling already knows it is me.
I feel so disempowered by all this technology and do not encourage it into my sphere, beyond as far as I am prepared to allow it.
So glad you are sorted Archerphile- do you know how? 😂 earlier I wrote out a much longer post but guess what it did not print 👿
DeleteAfter a big Windows 10 update once, BBC IPlayer on my computer switched to Arabic. I didn't notice it was Arabic at first because the picture was the same.
DeleteMy big, clever digital radio broadcast only Scottish programmes for several weeks in 2014 after the Scottish Referendum. (insert puzzled emoticon). It won't broadcast anything now; I fiddled with it a while back and lost all programmes. It won't switch off either. I could never get the "Listen Later" function to work. It's 5 years old. My smaller, cheaper, older, less complex version of same brand works fine, except a couple of times when volume got stuck at very loud. There's never been a problem with my 20+ years Grundig analogue radio (touch wood).
Just a bit of ephemera to share.
ReplyDeleteWhen I had the work done on my ground floor kitchen / general room, the ceiling in the kitchen end needed to be removed in order to do electrical wiring. And there revealed was an original ceiling of timber boards. After cleaning up and waxing it looks very good indeed.
A few weeks ago I was preparing a meal and saw from the corner of my eye something float from above. When I picked it up it looked like a strip of screwed up paper and I realised at once that it must be a screwed up piece of newspaper used to plug the gap between the boards. As the house is heating up and expands it must have released it from its hideyhole.
Later I gently softened the paper with water, ( my dad and his stamp collecting remembered) and then spread it out. A strip from Morning Herald November 2nd 1822.
What a find, though I do know this cottage is older than that.
How interesting Mrs P, was the strip informative. My niece had a similar experience when the flat she was living in was rewired. The house had been used during the war as an officers mess, some letters and cigarette packets were found, she didn't like to throw them away, just in case they were of interest to anybody, they went to the local museum in Leeds.
DeleteHave you got any further with having a dog ?
The newspaper was simply the title piece Cow Girl. Strange that that was the only piece to survive since I imagine that the whole ceiling was packed at one time, presumably to keep out draughts.
ReplyDeleteThis is a cottage that has been much adapted and added to over many centuries and there is a great deal of evidence. One of the other finds was that the floor above appears to be a sheet of metal. The room above this ceiling is the bathroom and I and builders have wondered if this was strengthened to incorporate an iron bath, possibly in Victorian times.
I had, soon after moving here revealed an inglenook and a bread oven complete with door intact. Local builders all have tales of bread ovens being found with smashed in doors. I found it fascinating that when told about this find, every one asked if I didn't want to know what was inside, all men expecting it to be a severed head, all women assuming a desiccated loaf of bread.
I have no intention of trying to open it. It is rusted closed and cleaned up and blacked, a very nice feature along with the curved tree branch lintel to the inglenook. When doing the work we found yet another chimney leading from what is now an opening into another room( which itself was part of another cottage added on at a later date ). So I think that originally there would have been a range, fireplace and bread oven across that back wall.
A single family owned all three cottages for several generations and there are people living here who knew the granny from way back.
I have met the lady who with her husband converted the three cottages into two in the seventies. Her comment when told about the revelations of the inglenook replied that they had covered it up in order to eradicate the damp.
Of course what they had actually done was to trap and increase the damp. It was sopping wet when we first revealed it and was left a year to enable it to dry out, but even so when re plastered with proper lime plaster huge patches of discoularated damp bled through. That has now dried out and disappeared without staining fortunately.
The well in the garden is another matter altogether. I had harboured hopes of emptying it, ( how ? ), but have recently been told that ' Dougy ' used to empty all sorts of rubbish down it, including televisions, thus polluting the water table I would think.
The lady I am now in touch with is sending me emails suggesting that this or that dog, shown on a Facebook website with two to three hundred photographs of dogs but without names or information, and suggesting that the one in the third picture down from the greyhound type being stroked........... etc.
Impossible to understand her directives !
But she is being kind and I am being churlish to mock or criticise.
M,rs P what an interesting house/ cottage you live in, my current house is relatively modern, 18/1900. My last house had a bread oven with out the door, but at Christmas it was wonderful with the nativity scene in with some candles.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived above Hebden bridge right out on the moor, no electric and 3 miles of rough track, the door to the barn from the house had been blocked up, building regs of course, I opened it up as in the winter when there was thick snow I could see to all the animals and fetch fuel without having to go outside, plus the wonderful smell of hay when it had just been made and the smell of ponies in the winter, which was far from being unpleasant. the people who make these regs don't have to live in such situations.
I found some of the rescue organisations frustrating when I was looking for a dog, so you are not alone. I am so lucky to have Misty, she might have only 3 legs but she is very game and would love to chase the sheep in my field, she does need 4 walks a day though as she does get tired quicker. Keep looking I am sure you will find each other in the end.
CowGirl, was that old farmhouse a Yorkshire longhouse, same idea as a Viking longhouse? I lived in one which had been much altered and extended. There was a blocked-up doorway from the upper storey of the house to the barn and outline of stairs on the barn side of the wall. I've been told that the surname Lofthouse is from Old Norse words and that the original holders of the name were men who could afford to build themselves 2-storey houses.
DeleteNo , not a long house. It did have a room up stairs built over the cold store, the door of which went out onto the garden. That cold store though a little damp was better than any fridge and so much bigger. I have always wanted to dig an ice house, to late now.....
DeleteThe milking parlour in my last house was an original Welsh Longhouse, they were very small, the larger part for the animals.
Thanks Cow Girl. It is now twenty years since my last beloved Harry died ( she was a bitch ) don't ask !
ReplyDeleteFor a number of years I did not think it would be possible to love another dog, but it has now been many years of looking, though I must admit not assiduously, rather in fits and starts.
Yes it will happen, when the time is right, and if it never does, then I was right and I was never meant to have another dog.
I have spent the entire day just sitting in a chair.
I am noticing that after a full day of activity, despite intending to ' do stuff' I don't. Just sit around.
Clearly my body is telling me something !
I admire you for overcoming building regs Cow Girl.
It reminds me of how, way back in the sixties and seventies those of us installing bathrooms in our terraced houses were required to have the extra door to the lavatory in a bathroom adjacent to another room in order to create a lobby.
We all complied, then six months later all inner doors were removed.
Simples !
Thanks again Cow Girl.
ReplyDeleteYour prompt led me to look at rescue websites again, and as a result I have sent off an application for a dog - bitch- called Etta at the Blue Cross homing centre in Southampton. She is an older dog. I'm too old for a puppy.
I've never been lucky before and don't suppose I'll be lucky this time either, but you never know, and can always hope.
Mrs P you never know. I too had applied for other dogs, and had gone for dogs over 8. When Mistys name came up although she was 4 (actually 3 ) I just knew she was the dog for me. There had apparently been lots of enquiries for her and when they didn't ring when they said I thought it wasn't going to be and was quite downhearted, then when I got the phone call to say yes I was over the moon. She is keeping me on my toes !!!
DeleteSo don't give up. I have just looked her up, she looks adorable. Good luck and keep me posted.
Hope Etta is .the one for you. Good luck!
DeleteI never talk politics here but I will accept condolences for myself that Brett Kavanaugh has just been confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice.
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable but it just shows how these “important” people get away with it.
DeleteYou have my condolences Ruthy
DeleteTrump is the biggest bully and his own party too afraid to do or say anything to contradict him. This is the sad reality we are living in.
DeleteMore condolences from me too.
DeleteThoughts are with you Ruthy
DeleteMrs P, it took 6 months to get Gypsy. I then mentioned the possibility of a second dog and Buddy came up 3 days later! You never know how long it will take! The right dog will come up at the right time. Katy had to take Gyp to the vet today as she has had diarrhoea. Her temperature was fine and she was given two calming medicines. I was up at 4 am this morning cleaning up so hoping tonight will be better. We are feeding her light meals of chicken and rice at the moment so I think she is a bit hungry as she is such a greedy girl. If no better we take her back on Monday but she is bright enough in herself if a little sleepy this evening.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ev and Cow Girl.
DeleteThe right dog will come at the right time.... are words I have been using for myself for so many years now. But I am also aware that I may never have another dog again. It may not happen, and if so, then that would be a shame but the right thing too.
Only last night I thought how the right cat at the right time happened, and perhaps I am being greedy to want a dog as well.
I am enjoying Puss very much, and watching his progress and behaviour is fascinating.
Mrs P- how fascinating to find that piece of paper from 1822. Are you tempted to research the history of your house even further?
ReplyDeleteI did , when we moved to this cottage 34 years ago and found loads of information at our County records office in Winchester.
The cottage was built in
1826 and the first occupant was one Anna Grantham who was a coppice dealer. Apparently this whole area was hazel woods and our cottage (originally a row of three) was built to house the coppice workers.
At the Record Office I was able to trace the names of many residents here in subsequent years, their occupations and standing in local society and see many maps of the area and how it has been developed over the years. Many of the ancient field names still exist today, it was fascinating research to do.
BTW, I have been doing your recommended ´kitchen press-ups’ today and they are great - I can feel them working on my arms already!
There are tithe maps and records from 1820s or 1830s (viewable on subscription sites) and Ordnance Survey maps dating from 1840s & 1850s (free on National Library of Scotland website). The mapping was so detailed I could see how the house altered.
DeleteI do already have quite a lot of information since the one family who owned the three cottages for three generations are still around.
DeleteI am able to glean more from simply looking at the exterior walls where it is clear to see alterations.
We also have a lively local Rembering Rodborough organisation and I have photographic evidence of the cottage which is in an extremely prominent position.
My research of maps and archive material at Gloucester is scheduled for the future, building work and my surgery were my priorities, and the next is getting out to the Ridgeway. I am the planner for joint walking with friends in Oxfordshire, but for various health issues the walks must be reasonably short ones, until my friends lungs acclimatise to exertion.
( if that is possible)
So Thursday we had our day in Yosemite valley. It was an overcast day with a lot of low cloud so the views weren’t as spectacular as they should’ve been. Shame. To be honest it didn’t blow me away like the Grand Canyon did but I think you have to go on the various hikes to see the best bits. If you get car sick this is not a trip I would recommend either. There is not a straight bit of road anywhere and the sheer drops at the side are quite terrifying.....well to me they were.
ReplyDeleteToday we have driven from Monterey to Hearst castle. Again a winding road with some sheer drops.....would not do trip again, too stressful for me.
Some lovely views though. We went to Hearst castle, unplanned, and both of us were blown away. It makes Castle Howard near us look like a two up two down!! We are not half way through our trip yet but I reckon nothing will top this. (Apologies....of course meeting Ruthy will be the tops!!). I now plan on reading up on William Hearst.
This sounds like the trip of a life time PtyB! I too, would hate driving along those roads, probably have my eyes closed all the way. But how wonderful to see all those places. Enjoy the rest of your adventure.
DeleteDid you see the elephant seals on the beach just before the entrance to Hearst Castle grounds PtbY? Glad you got to see at least some of Yosemite - we couldn't get anywhere near it a couple of months back due to fires... As to Hearst Castle - we both thought the pool and grounds were beautiful and the Jewel Room was stunning, but the rest of it was a concrete monstrosity! Still glad we went though!
DeleteI've learned a great deal about William Hearst in the past PtbY.
DeleteCrazy but interesting and a number of films concerning him of course.
Ruthy’s you have my condolences. I watched the so called judge giving his testimony! Not sure what else to call it. His body language and emotional behaviour was very disturbing. He kept adjusting his name plate and putting it exactly in the centre in front of his body, a point of arrogance indeed. My concern goes out to those women who will now wonder how they will ever be believed when the powerful members of government! are by their actions, saying women are lying.
ReplyDeleteTrump just exudes arrogance. He is a thoroughly dislike able man. Melania is set up money wise but at what price? I hope he doesn’t get re elected but this travesty in the Supreme Court is frightening as it shows he wields a lot of power. So sorry for you all, Ruthy.
DeleteI just give up on American politics, it seems to me that common sense has flown out of the White House windows.
DeleteWhat really worries me is the effect Trump and Co could have on the rest of the world. I feel less safe these days than since the days of the Cold War and fearful for my family’s future with the likes of the present USA administration in charge.
Sorry to get political on a Sunday morning but listening to the news just now has really wound me up! As if there isn’t enough confusion going on in British politics at the moment!
indeed, we're trying our hardest to keep clear of politics on our travels, both global and domestic (UK & France) not always poss unfortunately. Too depressing.
ReplyDeleteBack to more agréable subjects! Here we are in Busselton, lovely drive over from Albany today through the SW forest, so beautiful. Bonne soirée à vous tous !
ReplyDeleteGG .......yes saw the elephant seals. Felt like David Attenborough whilst taking photos. Apart from DA never tells you that they stink to high heaven.!!😆
ReplyDeleteHearst castle isn’t exactly my cup of tea but, considering where it is, it is mind blowing.
Heading off for LA today.
I have loved many wild-life events. I went cruising around the Galapagos Islands for 7 days, in 2005, which was a very memorable experience. I have also been to SA 3x, seeing the big 5 and also Wild Dogs. My whale watching trips have always been successful, esp seeing Orcas totally breaching. It is the simple things I still love, a school of dolphins following in the wake of a "boat" I was on - magical.
ReplyDeleteYes, we had a great trip out from Bremer Bay to see orcas 4 years ago fantastic. Hopefully today's trip will be just as exciting!
DeletePtbY - I am so excited that we will be meeting next week. I picked Local in Montclair. It's a nice family run coffee shop that roast their own coffee beans. Their website is https://www.localcoffeemontclair.com/. Address is 107 Watchung Avenue, Montclair NJ. There are many nice coffee shops in Montclair but I pick this location as there will be easy street parking on a Sunday afternoon. Let me know if 2 pm is convenient for you.
ReplyDeleteRoast their own beans !! ☕️🤗 I can smell the coffee already Ruthy ummmm! Enjoy and I look forward to reading of your meet up. So pleased that one of our number can on behalf of us all thank you in person for the blogs you are supplying us with. They mean so much 💞
Delete👍😀☕️
DeleteHi Ruthy. That sounds just fine. I look forward to our meeting. I will be the one wearing a straw trilby hat with a blue band on it.
Delete👒☕️🍰
I don't know what I will be wearing but definitely will have a red purse. So excited.
DeleteWhere are you off to next on your Americas trip?
Yes AP having trouble again iOS 12 wise trying old iPad now!
ReplyDeleteWell blow me new iPad and iPhone playing up again just now! This old pad is on iOS 9 and cannot be updated yet it is working 🙄
ReplyDeleteI eventually manage to post on the old Archers blog, but when when Ruthy changed it to the new one (with pink flowers) I was locked out again and it took another day of persistently trying to post again! This is so annoying. I am also furious they have changed the poisition of keys on the keyboard. I keep getting emoticons instead of numerals. Why on Earth do they do these things. Changing the keys seems particularly pointless 🤬
DeleteWell! Whale watching trip amazing! Several different groups of humpbacks, flukes
ReplyDeletebreaching, fin-slapping, generally show-boating! Also our boat was accompanied a lot of the time by dolphins, whistling to each other. Amazing day. Relaxing with a cold beer.
How fabulous. We went whale watching off Vancouver island last year for 4 hours and never saw a thing. It’s now know as our bl**dy whale searching trip!🤭
DeleteKaty and I went on a whale and dolphin watching trip in Tenerife and were lucky enough to see bottle nosed dolphins and pilot whales although she tells me the latter are a sort of dolphin! My husband told of times at sea when he was in the Royal Navy when dolphins used to surge along gleefully on the bow wave and I longed to see them in the wild so this viewing was very special!
DeleteOther wildlife updates - kangaroos, emus, kookaburras, wattle birds, New Holland honey eaters - and now Western Ringtailed Possums, endangered. Off up the coast tomorrow, peppermint groves & Tuart trees. Bisous
ReplyDeleteparsley16 - amazing adventure you are having. wish we can share photos :(
DeleteParsley, I reckon you could give David Attenborough acfun for his money!
DeleteSorry to hear Archerphile and Lady R with upgrading to iOS 12 and having problem login in to this blog. I don't use an Apple computer so don't know how to help you.
ReplyDeleteRuthy and Archerphile- your posts on the other blog - walking !
ReplyDeleteI am pleased to hear of Mr As progress after his heart surgery Archerphile.
Very admirable.
I discovered at the age of fifteen that I would like to become a walker, however ' life' has got in the way and serious walking on a regular basis has not been possible.
For about ten years I did walk regularly and was sometimes a walk leader, and I enjoyed it enormously. FOSO of course is also a regular walker.
For a couple of decades now I have been hampered from decent lengths due to my dodgy knee, but am now determined to do some of the walking that I have longed to do for so long.
I think that I did mention that I walked Golden Cap when in Dorset recently.
I am, with friends in Oxfordshire, currently planning to do the Ridgeway. It will be done over a long period with, initially short lengths, hopefully increasing those lengths particularly as we get further away from our home base. And of course over a long period of time.
Ruthy, the U.K. Is riddled with footpaths and in most parts of the country it is possible to plan any number of circular walks of varying lengths. But we also have long distance trails, around the coast, across the middle, and up and down. Some of these are ancient trails from the distant past of early man, or drover roads from later times.
And they have names Ermine Street, the Ridgeway, Fosse way, and many others, that spark the imagination. Well, mine anyway.
We also have, or had, a famous walker Wainwright, who published many books about his part of England.
So Ruthy, I hope that gives you a start towards understanding a little more about our beautiful green island.
Testing
ReplyDeleteBeen into google and tapped various things nothing I can explain but for now it seems I am back on new iPad.
DeleteClosing this post. See you on the swinger.
ReplyDelete